Providing the grunt for a charge to the Super Rugby playoffs has priority over any All Blacks ambitions for Hurricanes lock James Broadhurst.
The rangy Taranaki forward has been an influential part of the Hurricanes’ improved efforts up front, helping push them 13 points clear of the pack with four rounds remaining.
Victory over the Blues in Auckland on Saturday will guarantee a berth in the finals and further cement their position on top of the standings.
Broadhurst’s powerhouse midfield runs and damaging defence has been central to their progress.
The 27-year-old will start his 12th game this weekend, the most by any Hurricane this season, having missed just one game through suspension.
That consistency means more to him than any whispers of higher honours, which are starting to grow in intensity.
His chances of selection in the first 41-man All Blacks squad of the year may improve further if Patrick Tuipulotu can’t shake off a hip injury that has ruled him out for the remainder of the Blues’ season.
Uncertainty surrounds the extent of the injury to seven-Test All Black Tuipulotu, who has a similar ball-running style to Broadhurst.
“I’ve not even thought about (All Blacks selection), I’m only focusing on the Hurricanes,” Broadhurst told NZ Newswire.
“I’ve been pretty happy. One of the main goals this year for me was to be consistent every week and to be rewarded with this many starts has probably been testament to that.”
The same attitude worked for him last year when he was among the best players for Taranaki on their way to a maiden NPC crown.
Broadhurst is taking nothing for granted against the injury-ravaged Blues, who have struggled this year yet won all three games at Eden Park.
They also have a winning history over the Hurricanes at the ground and Broadhurst reckons another tense battle similar to last week’s 22-18 arm-wrestle win over the Chiefs looms.
“Against the Chiefs, it was probably one of the few times this year we weren’t in control so to get away with the win was great,” he said.
“That’s not the first time we’ve done it this year and more of those are to come.
“Every game from now on is going to be play-off intensity with teams getting desperate or having something to prove.”
Not Bothered
Guest
G'day. Yeah it could well be a year or 2 early for Ioane but A.Savea was introduced at the same age and having only proven himself at ITM cup level. Personally, I would introduce him to the squad and even consider capping him if he impresses enough. I hope Lowe will be back well before the RC but he may not be. Naholo is a left wing usually and I cant ever recall him being a specialist right wing in his career. However he is excelling on the right so I can see why the ABs could consider him a good option if he plays 14 & 11. I see Paulisi Manu as a good choice for the loosehead spot going forward. He would be 4th choice in my squad but 4th choice gets a gig at the WC if injury strikes. If B.Tameifuna and is not included in the ABs squad I will be BITTERLY disapointed. To let such a promising young player go to France and Tonga would be a real mistake imo. The guy is 23 and his scrumaging has improved an incredible amount. This guy could become the worlds best tighthead if the ABs take him in and shape him.
Old Bugger
Guest
NB Good comments and of course, suggested players. I don't disagree except IMO, my choice would be at least 3 players you name being Ben T, Sopa and Webber. The rest are either injured or a season too early but never mind. I also agree with your logic of when is it the best or worst time to pick new players and quite rightly, their isn't any such time and it is really, a decision for the selectors after hours and hours of reviewing the only competition worthy of reviewing - the SR. The other method of course is just a downright "gut-feeling" for the coach to toss the coin away and choose. Lastly, Naholo's interest from the wise men has materialised IMO simply because the AB selectors are looking for a bona-fide right wing option other than Jane. We both know that it is preferable to have specialists running in the back 3 and not a leftie slotting on the right or an FB slotting in either wing spot. Agreed Naholo hasn't been tested as much in the Landers with high kicks etc but sometimes, that's what happens when your FB is the AB's incumbent and that bloke, aint no slouch. So overall, I agree with your comments and I'll keep my fingers x-ed that some of the suggestions, bear fruition. Cheers mate.
Not Bothered
Guest
Imo he should be given the opportunity in the RC and Samoa games. He, Akira Ioane, Ben Tameifuna, James Lowe, Paulisi Manu, Lima Sapoaga and B.Webber would all be introduced to the squad if I was coach. To base the ABs entirely on incumbents without consideration of the right kind of form players would be ridiculous imo. Imagine 1995 without Lomu. People keep saying that new players shouldnt be considered and even Hansen declared that most of his squad was set in stone about a year out. Well Lomu went into the WC squad with 2 caps and was a sensation. People also keep saying that players shouldnt be selected on Super Rugby form. Every single AB in the team was originally selected on Super Rugby form and very, VERY few Super Rugby standouts that are selected with the right considerations dont do well at international level. If players are selected for the wrong reasons then problems arise. Naholo would be a player I would not consider this year. He will not be given the same amount of opportunities at international level and his defence and ability under the highball would be tested and imo exposed.